Study on Drivers’ Comprehension of Advanced Graphical Route Information Panel Considering Individual Attributes

Abstract

Graphical route information panels (GRIPs) have been commonly used on expressways in Japan to provide drivers with en-route traffic information. Although GRIPs have many advantages over variable message signs (VMSs), too much information and too complex displays may prevent drivers from properly understanding of the provided information. This study proposes advanced GRIPs in which LED displays showing pictograms and moving symbols are installed to assist drivers’ comprehension. The following results were obtained from an online survey conducted to investigate the impact of LED displays: (i) pictograms and moving symbols are helpful to most drivers to correctly understand the event information on GRIPs, but at the same time, they prevent drivers from understanding the travel time information; (ii) in terms of drivers’ comprehension there is a possibility to provide information about natural events (fog and tidal wave) by displaying pictograms or moving symbols on GRIPs.